New Children Movies..


The Angry Birds Movie 2 2019 - is a computer animated comedy film .. based on the Angry Birds video game and the sequel to The Angry Birds Movie 2016.. The film features an outstanding cast of voices.. including that of Peter Dinklage, Maya Rudolph, Leslie Jones, Sterling K Brown and Josh Gad.. The film has Red, Chuck and Bomb being forced to team up with Leonard and the rest of the pigs when some type of advanced weapon threatens both the Piggy and Bird Islands.. I thought it was funny and entertaining.. If you liked the original film you will definitely enjoy this one.. same cast of characters .. and although the film has met some mixed reviews..  I liked it.. let me know what you think..


Dora and the Lost City of Gold 2019  - is an adventure live action comedy film and a continuation of Nickelodeon and Nick Jr's TV series Dora The Explorer.. it stars Isabela Moner as Dora.. and after spending most of her life in the jungle .. she goes on her most adventurous exploration yet.. HIGH SCHOOL.. accompanied by her monkey Boots .. Dora also embarks on a quest to save her parents while trying to solve the mystery of the lost Inca civilization..  The film met with mixed reviews however I am certain any child that has watched the Dora the Explorer series on Nick Jr.. or Nickelodeon.. will most certainly enjoy it..


Good Boys 2019 - is a comedy film and stars Jacob Tremblay, Brady Noon and Keith L. Williams.. The film tells the story of three six graders who try to impress girls and older classmates by skipping school and attending a party .. (a kissing party) .. 12 yr old Max (Tremblay) is completely panicked because he doesn't know how to kiss.. and he is eager for some pointers.. so Max and his friends Thor (Noon) and Lucas (Williams) decide to use Max's dad's drone which they know they are not supposed to touch to spy on a teenage couple who are making out.. the drone however is confiscated .. and desperate to get it back the boys skip school and set off on an adventure .. filled with everything from stolen drugs to paintball..  to get it back before Max's dad gets home..  The movie has definitely met with mixed reviews.. because of the R rated content.. but the movie is rated R and unfortunately in this day and age.. teenagers as young as 12 years old are exposed to adult content much more than you might think.. overall I enjoyed the film  .. let me know what you think.. Movie Trailer



More to Come.. 

More New Movies.. 

The Kitchen 2019 - is a crime action film based on the Vertigo comic book miniseries by the same name.. The film has an outstanding cast including Elisabeth Moss (star of The Handmaid's Tale).. Melissa McCarthy and Tiffany Haddish both outstanding comedians .. I especially loved Tiffany Haddish's performance in this film.. The film tells the story of three Irish mobster wives who take over organized crime operations in the 70s in NYC Hell's Kitchen after the FBI arrest their husbands.. I truly loved this film.. and Elizabeth Moss was truly exceptional .. Amazing.. full of action and drama.. Loved IT.. well worth watching..


"Blinded by the Light" 2019 - is a comedy music drama film that was based on the life of journalist Sarfraz Manzoor and his love of the works of Bruce Springsteen.. and Manzoor's memoir Greetings from Bury Park: Religion and Rock N' Roll.. Set in the town of Luton in 1987 Thatcherite Britain ( Margaret Thatcher was prime minister at that time and supporters were Thatcherites ).. the film tells the story of a coming of age young man Javed (Viveik Kalra) ,  struggling to find his way in life Muslim teenager whose life is changed after he discovers the lyrics and music of Bruce Springsteen..

Javed is of Pakistani descent and struggles against racial, religious and economic turmoil.. He writes poetry in order to escape life .. but when a classmate introduces him to Bruce Springsteen the lyrics of his music speak to him and his struggles .. allowing him to finally express himself.. and break free.. even though the film met with mixed reviews..  I watched the film and understood how this young man felt the lyrics speak to him.. after all I think most of us at one time or another have heard a song .. and felt the music.. and lyrics.. as if the words touched our soul .. The film is charming, intelligent.. and entertaining..


47 Meters Down: Uncaged  2019 -  is a survival horror film and the sequel to 47 Meters Down 2017 .. the film stars Sophie Nelisse, Corinne Foxx (Jamie Foxx's daughter), Brianne Tju, Sistine Stallone (Sylvester Stallone's daughter)... The film follows a group of teenage girls that decide to scuba dive recklessly to explore a cave that looks to be catacombs and underwater city ruins.. only to be trapped by a group of great white sharks.. I have to admit I had read mixed reviews .. but overall I enjoyed it .. and found the ending to be literally heart-stopping.. Whew..  Definitely worth watching.. Movie Trailer



More to come..

Exceptional Dog Films Everyone Should See!


The Art of Racing in the Rain 2019 - is a truly touching comedy-drama film based a 2008 book by the same name by Garth Stein.. The film stars Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried and Kevin Costner as the voice of Enzo.. a truly exceptional golden retriever..

I truly loved this film.. and found it to be charming, inspiring, and intelligent.. I cried more than once of course..

The film starts out sad showing Enzo as an aged golden retriever lying in front of a door barely moving.. and as you begin to hear his thoughts ..you learn he is telling his store of his life with Denny (Milo Ventimiglia) and Eve (Amanda Seyfried) .. I really don't want to give too much of the story away.. but it is simply amazing... and very touching .. you won't be disappointed.. I have to be honest I have a little rat terrier named Pepper and I love him as much as Denny loves Enzo.. A film truly worth watching..and one that will touch your soul.. LOVED IT


A Dog's Way Home 2019 -  is a family adventure film based on a book by the same name (true story) by W. Bruce Cameron.. The film has an outstanding cast that includes Ashley Judd and Jonah Hauer-King.. The film follows a dog named Bella who travels more than 400 miles to reunite with her owner Lucas (Hauer-King).. The film gives a voice to Bella (by Bryce Dallas Howard) just like the epic classic film Homeward Bound.. Bella meets some friends along the way like a cougar... however her ultimate goal is simply to make her way home..

I have to be honest .. this film is AMAZING.. truly exceptional .. and much like Homeward Bound will tug at your heart strings.. The film is full of drama, charm and pure joy.. Just the type of film any family can enjoy together.. It is very touching and I will be honest the film brought me to tears..

Love Love Loved it.. A definitely must see for the entire family..  Movie Trailer


A Dog's Journey 2019 - is the sequel family comedy-drama film to the 2017 film "A Dog's Purpose".. based on the 2012 book by the same name by W. Bruce Cameron.. 

I have to first say this is a terrific sequel film.. finding myself crying more than once during the film..
In the film Bailey is told at the end of his life by Ethan (Dennis Quaid) that he should protect Ethan's grand-daughter C.J.  so now Bailey has found a new purpose.. to take care of C.J. to protect C.J. and keep her safe.. Amazing film .. and truly best described as some friendships transcend a lifetimes..   Definitely A Must See Film for the Whole Family  Movie Trailer


I have to say one more thing.. I can't even imagine losing my little dog Pepper after all he has been with me through so much ..  but I know that it will come someday.. and I know when that day comes it will surely break my heart and crush my soul..


A Dogs Purpose 2017 -  You should watch this movie.. it is uplifting and shows that a man's best friend does have a divine purpose to be there for us in our time of need.. I have to say this ended up being a real tear-jerker for me because I have just such a dog.. He means the world to me and has been my constant companion through many twists and turns in my life.. I call him my best friend.. I challenge anyone that is an animal lover to watch this movie with their kids.. and see how much joy a dog or any animal for that matter.. can bring to their owners lives..Oh yeah try not to cry..


Honorable Mention..

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey 1993 - is an adventure family comedy .. based on a book by the same name by Sheila Burnford and is a remake of the 1963 film The Incredible Journey..  Homeward Bound is about three family pets that believe they have been abandoned and decide to embark on a journey to make their way home.. Shadow is a Golden Retriever and the oldest of the three (voiced by Don Ameche) , Sassy is a very mouthy Himalayan cat (voiced by Sally Field) and the youngest of the three is Chance a mischievous and immature American Bulldog (voiced by Michael J. Fox)..  the film features many adventures as they struggle to stay together and make their way home to their humans.. Loved Loved Loved it.. truly a film for the whole family.. and a definite must see

NEW Movies.. 

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood 2019 - is a comedy drama film starring Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio.. The film features an ensemble cast including Al Pacino and Margot Robbie.. The film is set in 1969 Los Angeles.. where a fictional aging television actor (DiCaprio) and his longtime friend and stunt double (Pitt) try desperately to hang on to their careers in the ever changing film industry..

At first I have to admit (DiCaprio) threw me off guard playing the struggling TV actor Rick Dalton ..former star of a 50s Western series.. but on the other hand his longtime friend and stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) definitely did not disappoint.. (Pitt) lives in a trailer with his pet Pit Bull.. drives Dalton around and ultimately displays why he is still considered a hunk..

Meanwhile you are introduced to actress Sharon Tate who is living in the home right next to Dalton.. who dreams of befriending her and her husband director Roman Polanski.. in order to relight his career..

While I definitely don't want to spoil the film .. its a real roller coaster ride that slowly draws you into the dynamics of both (DiCaprio and Pitt) as well as that of Sharon Tate, Spahn ranch and spaghetti westerns..

I don't know what I was expecting before seeing the film.. but this film turned out to be much more than I bargained for.. while the film slowly draws you in.. it amazingly comes together in the end.. and literally keeps you on the edge of your seat while making you laugh hysterically.. LOVED IT..


A Score to Settle 2019 - is an action thriller film starring Nicolas Cage as a ex enforcer for a crime syndicate who seeks revenge on his mob bosses after being released from wrongful imprisonment.. However the only thing diverting his plans is the dire need to revive his relationship with his beloved son.. This film is one of the best story lines I have seen Cage in some while.. Loved it .. Not only does it allow us to see the pain and torment he has had to endure over the past 19 years in prison.. but it soon becomes difficult to watch or turn away for that matter as (Cage) has to face what going to prison for a crime he did not commit cost him.. Truly a must see film.. Movie Trailer


Luce 2019 - is a drama film with an outstanding cast that includes Octavia Spencer and Naomi Watts.. The film focuses on an all-star high school athlete Luce (Kelvin Harrison Jr) who is a poster boy for the new American Dream.. Luce was adopted from war ravaged country where children are turned soldiers at an early age..

In the film Luce's teacher (Spencer) makes a shocking discovery in his locker.. after he writes an explosive report .. which calls his stellar reputation into question.. This is an intelligent, deeply disturbing film .. and one well worth watching by any parent .. especially in this day and age.. Movie Trailer


Trial by Fire 2019 - is a biographical drama based upon David Grann's article "Trial by Fire" that appeared in The New Yorker in 2009.  The film focuses on the story of Cameron Todd Willingham, an uneducated poor heavy metal music guy who was known to have a violent streak and a criminal record.. In 1992 he was convicted of the arson-related triple homicide of his three children. During his 12 years on death row, Elizabeth Gilbert (Laura Dern) uncovered questionable methods and illogical conclusions in his case and battled with the state to expose suppressed evidence..I found the story to be extremely tragic and controversial .. after all three small children were killed.. This is a true story .. and a film well worth watching

More to come..

Alexander Skarsgard Films 

I have really loved Alexander Skarsgard for a longtime, I think I first noticed him when I saw him in the HBO 2008 True Blood series .. Here are some of my favorite films of his..



True Blood 2008 - American Fantasy Horror based on a series of novels that premiered in 2008 and depicts a unique and yet fantasy driven story based in Louisiana about mortals, vampires and wolves would simply not do this series, the cast also includes fairies, witches, and shape-shifters as well.  While the storyline seems dark and brooding it also contains many provocative nuances along with humorous aspects. While the series has now ended, it continues to have a fan base and many such as myself loved many of the characters. It was pure entertainment, at times very sexual which more than likely didn't hurt its ratings .. Look this sort of series isn't for everyone but if you want to binge watch and enjoy TV fantasy genre such as Night Gallery, X Files, Tales from the Crypt, The Twilight Zone (all oldies and yet classic fantasy series), and American Horror Story (still ongoing American Fantasy series with many provocative story lines as well) than you will enjoy True Blood. So what do you have to lose, trust me it will keep your attention.

Alexander Skarsgard plays Eric Northman in the series .. and has to be one of the most attention grabbing vampires I have ever seen on screen... 




Long Shot  2019 - is a romantic comedy that follows a gifted, "say it like it is" journalist Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) who after running into his former babysitter and childhood crush Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron)..who is now the United States Secretary of State .. Charlotte impulsively hires Fred to be her speech writer after deciding to run for the presidency.. This movie is definitely entertaining.. the chemistry between the two of them possibly could have been better.. but of course ..(Theron) is playing the Secretary of State.... Alexander Skarsgard plays Prime Minister James Steward in the film.. The film definitely has a lot of charm and is well worth watching..

I also thought the film did a great job at delivering a satirical look at some of our politicians of today.. and being transparent and standing up for what you believe in is always the best policy..  



Big Little Lies 2017 HBO -  is a drama series based on a book by the same name by Liane Moriarty.. The 1st season is 7 episodes and has been renewed for a 2nd season and set to be released in June 2019.. The 1st season followed 5 women (Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern and Zoe Kravitz) all living in Monterey California.. and all with 1st graders..  One of the women (Kidman) is being abused by her husband Perry Wright (Alexander Skarsgard), another one is running away from the past (Woodley) and (Witherspoon) is harboring a secret.. (Kravitz) is the 2nd wife of Witherspoon's ex-husband.. and finally (Dern) is a wealthy diva with some issues of her own..  "The Monterey Five" witness the gruesome death of Perry (Kidman's husband) in the 1st season..  This series is gripping, full of drama and intelligent.. As well as full of twists and turns..

While I'm kicking myself for not having watched the series before now.. I am really looking forward to watching the 2nd season as (Meryl Streep) will be joining the cast.. as the mother of the deceased..



Legend of Tarzan 2016 - is an adventure action film .. In the film the man once called Tarzan (Alexander Skarsgard) has settled down in London with his wife Jane (Margot Robbie).. and is now living under his birth name John Clayton III.. John's story is legendary and is invited by King Leopold to visit Boma and report on the development of the Congo by Belgium.. An envoy, George Williams (Samuel L. Jackson) reveals suspicions that Leopold is enslaving the Congo people .. he persuades Tarzan to go to the Congo... After Tarzan and Jane return to the Congo.. mercenaries raid the village, kill the tribal leader and capture Tarzan and Jane..

Love this film.. it had everything .. animals, action, romance, and both Tarzan (Skarsgard) and Williams (Jackson) are outstanding..  Truly enjoyable movie for the whole family..



The Aftermath 2019 -  is a period drama based on the 2013 book of the same name by Rhidian Brook.. starring Keira Knightley, Jason Clarke, and Alexander Skarsgard.. In the film it is 1946 and Rachael Morgan (Knightley) arrives in the ruins of Hamburg Germany reuniting with her husband Lewis a British Colonel.. and taken to the home where she discovers she will be living with its previous owners a German widower Stefan Lubert (Alexander Skarsgard) and his daughter.. and in the tense atmosphere Rachael and Stefan find solace in each others grief.. him having loss his wife during the war as well as Rachael having loss her son.. There is passion and betrayal.. and pain.. I loved it.. a smart and well acted period drama well worth watching.. 



What Maisie Knew 2012 - is an dramatic film starring Julianne Moore, Alexander Skarsgard, Onata Aprile, Joanna Vanderham and Steve Coogan.. The film finds little six year old Maisie in the middle of a custody battle between a neglectful set of parents (one of which is a businessman and one is a singer) and their new partners (one of which is her nanny who marries her father and the other being a struggling bartender turned stepfather)..

I have to admit this film totally grew on me .. like an modern adaptation of Kramer vs Kramer.. the film is well worth watching since this is a story of what not to do when you divorce.. This film is also the first time I have seen a softer and more human side of Alexander Skarsgard.. totally charming in this film.. LOVED IT

New Movies

Lion King Live Action.. 2019 -  is a live realistic computer animated version of the original Disney animated 1994 film The Lion King.. and stars an outstanding cast of voices including that of Donald Glover, Seth Rogen and Beyonce Knowles Carter.. just to name a few.. I have to admit I was a little frightened over the notion that they were going to remake the film in live action ..hoping that they didn't lose the charm of the epic original .. and they didn't lose anything..

I found myself crying in all the right places.. and my heart jumped just as it did watching the original film with my own children so long ago.. however this time I was watching it all by myself.. and felt like Disney really knocked this one out of the park.. Truly amazing.. the computer generated realistic touches were just as good as they were in the film Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle.. another film that I highly recommend watching..

The Lion King 2019 also did an excellent job at following the story of the original which I have to admit I had forgotten some of the original film and was on the edge of my seat seeing the story again.. Truly an unforgettable experience to see with a whole new generation of children.. and will definitely bring you to tears.. A must see film .. LOVED IT  Movie Trailer



Shaft 2019 - is a action comedy film that stars Samuel Jackson, Jessie Usher and Richard Roundtree.. and is the another addition to the Shaft series ..  a sequel to the 2000 film with the same title.. however this installment is definitely more comedic than that of the 2000 film..

The film starts off with learning that after John and his family survive an assassination attempt on their lives by drug lord Pierro "Gordito" Carrera.. Shaft's wife left him and raises their son on her own.. where J.J. becomes an FBI agent..and a cyber security specialist .. ending up back in Harlem to track down a drug kingpin who is responsible for one of his childhood friend's untimely death..

The film is interesting, full of action and comedy .. while also being on point with the times we live in... a definite must see film.. 



Poms 2019 - is a comedy film that features an outstanding cast including Dianne Keaton, Jacki Waver, Pam Grier, Bruce McGill, and Rhea Perlman.. I have to first say I loved this movie.. it is full of comedy, inspiring and charming all rolled up into one.. It also tackles the subject of dying which everyone has to eventually face whether they want to or not.. Life is short and I came away from this film thinking in the end it was how she wanted to leave this earth .. on her own terms..

The film follows Martha (Keaton) as she enters a retirement community and soon decides to start her own club.. a cheerleading squad..



Into the Ashes 2019 - is a crime drama thriller starring Luke Grimes as Nick Brenner a man who seemingly has a reasonably good life.. he has a steady job, a loyal friend named Sal and a loving wife Tara.. However as it turns out Nick also has a secret he has kept from everyone.. and his violent criminal friends are now out looking for him to settle the score.. The film tells the story of betrayal and revenge.. as well as its hauntingly violent.. holding your attention from start to finish..

New TV Series to Watch Out For

The Righteous Gemstones HBO premiers August 18 2019
- is an upcoming comedy series that follows a famous yet totally dysfunctional family of televangelists.. The series stars John Goodman, Adam Devine, and Danny McBride who also created the series..  Series Trailer

 
When They See Us 2019 Netflix - is a drama series that premiered on May 31 2019 and is based on the events of the 1989 Central Park jogger case.. The series explores the lives of the families and of the five male suspects who were prosecuted in 1990 on charges relating to the rape and assault of a woman in Central Park NY.. The five were later exonerated of the charges..


The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Netflix 2019 -  is an upcoming fantasy series and is a prequel to the classic 1982 Jim Henson film The Dark Crystal..  The series is scheduled to premier on August 30th 2019.. I can't wait for this one.. Both my kids and myself loved the animated fantasy film The Dark Crystal in 1982 .. Series Trailer


I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth Vs. Michelle Carter HBO 2019 -  is a two-part documentary and is based on the untimely death of Conrad Roy.. a young man who committed suicide.. The documentary focuses on two teens Michelle Carter and Conrad Roy as they texted back and forth for the better part of two years.. meeting only in real life a few times.. When Conrad was found dead of carbon monoxide intoxication.. the investigators discovered texts encouraging Roy to kill himself.. After which Michelle Carter stood trial .. for involuntary manslaughter..


Mark of a Killer Oxygen 2019 -  is a crime drama series examining the disturbing behaviors of serial killers. Some of the most horrific serial killers to date like to taunt law enforcement .. and habitually take mementos of their victims.. they even sometimes leave calling cards or trademarks behind .. The series takes a look into the extreme and disturbing nature of these killers..


More to Come..